Diss 3 Norwich 3

In appalling weather conditions, Diss and Norwich fought out a battle royal, with a hard-fought London 2NE derby match ending in a draw from one penalty apiece.

Neither side deserved to lose and will in the main be satisfied that their respective campaigns remain unbeaten.

Diss started on the front foot and in the first 10 minutes attacked with a most encouraging fluency. Scoring opportunities were squandered, although after 10 minutes Phillip LeLeivre was able to secure an early Diss lead following a Norwich infringement at a retreating defensive scrummage.

While both sides showed a willingness to attack through their three quarters it was close to the breakdown that ground and advantage could be gained. Norwich eventually established themselves in the game and spent the second quarter competing and threatening the Diss line.

Outstanding defence from man of the match Michael Fuller and scrum-half Jamie Burroughs continually halted any Norwich threat. Half-time arrived with Diss ahead by three points and a game developing that would ultimately be for the purist.

Following an early missed penalty attempt from Norwich scrum-half Ben Girling, Diss attacked early in the second half and were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. LeLeivre's attempt hit the upright and following a further Norwich infringement on 47 minutes, LeLeivre missed again. These two misses were ultimately to prove decisive.

The game now fluctuated between attempts by both sides to attack and retain possession in the deteriorating conditions. Neither side could establish any kind of control or foothold in the game and following a Diss error at a 22-metre kick- off, Norwich inserted pressure at the ensuing scrummage and eventually caught the Diss midfield offside.

Ben Girling stepped up to convert the penalty and with 20 minutes to play the game was there for the taking.

Diss edged the final quarter of the game and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, although a lack of composure ultimately cost the home side a winning opportunity. Resolute and whole–hearted Norwich defence meant that both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.